How do the prisoners react when long-sought freedom is achieved?

They are generally in shock, some don't believe it. One day Kurt tells Gerda that the war with Japan has ended. They celebrate and drink to peace with some anisette, the first alcohol Gerda had in her life. Kurt tells Gerda that he is to be sent home and that he wants her to come to America and be his wife. They decide that he will travel there first and send for her as soon as possible. It will be the fastest way to get her out of Germany and into their new life together.

Gerda and Kurt marry and move to the US. They have three children and many grandchildren. Gerda becomes a lecturer and author—her way of honoring and forever keeping alive the memory of her parents and brother and all her lost friends.